Author: Kaitlyn Ross, 11ALIVE
Lung cancer disproportionately affects Black Americans, who are 16% more likely to die from the disease than white Americans.
Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases in the United States, and Black Americans are disproportionately affected. Black Americans are 16% more likely to die from lung cancer than their white counterparts. A new initiative from the Lung Cancer Foundation of America is aiming to change that—one haircut at a time.
The Saving Lungs Behind the Chair campaign is enlisting barbers and hairstylists to educate their clients about the importance of early detection. For stylist Cat Bell, the initiative is personal.
“I love the freedom and artistry of this job, but more than that, I love the connection I have with my clients,” Bell said. “When they’re in the chair, they trust me. That’s why this is so important.”
The campaign, supported by the Lung Cancer Foundation of America and local health organizations, trains barbers and stylists to talk with clients about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of screenings. According to the American Cancer Society, Black men and women are less likely to be diagnosed at an early stage before the disease has spread. In 2019, only 6% of eligible Black Americans were screened for lung cancer.
Rodney Taylor, a barber participating in the program, has seen firsthand the toll lung cancer takes on his community.
“I have clients who have lost family members to lung cancer. I have clients who are fighting it themselves,” Taylor said. “This information is saving lives.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Black men and the second-leading cause among Black women. The campaign not only encourages early screening but also raises awareness about the lack of biomarker testing in Black patients.
Biomarker testing helps determine the most effective, personalized treatment options, but studies show Black Americans are less likely to receive this critical screening.
“Go get screened, go get screened!” Bell urged. “If we can help even one person catch this disease early, then we’ve made a difference.”
Barbers and stylists participating in the initiative provide clients with QR codes that link to local screening resources. They aim to remove barriers to care by making information easily accessible in a trusted environment.
“Having a platform means using it,” Taylor said. “People listen when they’re in the chair. That’s why we have to speak up.”
The Saving Lungs Behind the Chair initiative is part of a broader effort to address racial disparities in lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. Health officials hope that by reaching people where they are—at their local barbershops and salons—they can close the gap in lung cancer outcomes for Black Americans.